Nr Winchester, 17th May 2026
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary with a fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and seafronts — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore. In Winchester one of the year’s most anticipated highlights is the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a spectacular new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors with inspiring new displays, making it a must‑visit for culture‑seekers. Whilst at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk brings vibrant mid‑ to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Number of results: 151
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
Cowes
Cowes Fringe is a vibrant celebration of music, theatre, and comedy that lights up the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight annually in May. The festival fills local venues with an electrifying mix of performances, showcasing both local and national…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.
Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re-)discovering Winchester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about this historic city. Curious About…
Special Events
Winchester
Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.
One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…
Free Event
Basingstoke
Let's Glow is back for 2026 ! A free town centre-wide light trail this February half term in Basingstoke.
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst
Treat Mum to the Mother of all gifts this Mother's Day; a wonderful paddle to the pub on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. You'll enjoy a gentle guided tour through the idyllic Beaulieu River Nature Reserve, ending at the Master…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
This event is a great opportunity to meet members of the conservation team who are working on Victory Live: The Big Repair project.
During these informal hourly sessions, you will be able to learn more about their roles and how it benefits this…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply BMW on Sunday 20 September 2026.
BMW owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for enthusiasts.
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.
Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking, and get hands-on…
Childrens Events
Cowes
As the name suggests, Feb Fest is all about bringing those energetic festival vibes to your half-term holiday. Expect a packed itinerary of exciting free activities, meet-and-greets with the kids’ favourite characters, live music, and more. Sounds…
Carnival
Newport
Newport Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Carnival fever comes to the island's capital town, various locations around Newport.
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of National Mini Day on Sunday 14 June 2026.
Join the Mini Cooper Register for National Mini Day, as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Mini calendar returns to Beaulieu.
National Mini Day…
Childrens Events
Whiteley, Fareham
Make your Sundays better with
KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
With on paying adult
A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.
To book…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Jaguar on Sunday 16 August 2026.
All Jaguar owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and parked up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for owners and enthusiasts.
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Have fun (re-)discovering Portsmouth, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out about this fascinating port. Curious About…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.
General event
Southampton
Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days, at a very special price of £19.55 per adult ticket, reflecting the date of launch of Steamship Shieldhall! Pass the four cruise ships Arvia, Borealis, Mein Schiff 2 and Norwegian Star…
Cinema
London Road, Whitchurch
Head along for a unique setting for a cinema night, at one of the upcoming Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.
Carnival route …
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.
All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
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